JP5537374B2 - Drying processing apparatus and removal apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drying apparatus for drying clothes and a removing apparatus for removing lint generated from clothes from dry air.

  A drying processing apparatus such as a dryer for drying clothes or a washing dryer having a washing function in addition to a drying function typically supplies dry air into a drum in which the clothes are accommodated to dry the clothes. The lint separated from the clothing is circulated in the housing together with dry air.

  A dehumidification heating device that dehumidifies and heats the dry air, a heating device that heats the dry air, and an air supply device that causes the flow of the dry air are disposed in the circulation path of the dry air. If the above-mentioned lint adheres to the dehumidifying device, the heating device, or the air blowing device, the drying function is deteriorated or the drying processing device is broken. Therefore, a filter device for removing lint is generally disposed in the circulation path of dry air in addition to the above-described dehumidifying device, heating device, and / or air supply device (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

  FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter device disclosed in Patent Document 1. The filter device disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A filter device 900 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a semi-cylindrical filter cylinder 920 disposed across a pipe line 912 that defines a circulation path of dry air in a housing 911 of a washing / drying machine 910, and A recovery cylinder 921 connected to one end of the filter cylinder 920. The filter device 900 further includes a coil member 922 disposed in the filter cylinder 920 and a motor 923 attached to the other end of the filter cylinder 920. The motor 923 rotates the coil member 922 within the filter cylinder 920. During this time, the coil member 922 is in sliding contact with the inner surface of the filter cylinder 920. As a result, the lint L captured by the filter cylinder 920 is scraped off from the inner surface of the filter cylinder 920. Thereafter, the lint L is sent out toward the collection cylinder 921 by the coil member 922.

  The washing / drying machine 910 includes an outer cylinder 931 that surrounds the collection cylinder 921, a bottom wall 913 of the outer cylinder 931, and a sub-pipe 914 that connects the pipe 912. The bottom portion 924 of the recovery cylinder 921 includes an annular cylinder 925 that protrudes downward. The annular tube 925 is inserted into the sub pipe 914. Thus, the secondary pipe line 914 is connected to the outer cylinder 931.

  The collection cylinder 921 includes a sub filter 926. The secondary filter 926 that covers the opening of the bottom 924 defined by the annular cylinder 925 allows dry air that has flowed from the filter cylinder 920 into the recovery cylinder 921 to return to the pipeline 912 through the secondary pipe 914. , Prevent the passage of Lint L.

JP 2008-6045 A

  The removal of the lint L from the filter cylinder 920 by the coil member 922 suppresses a decrease in the flow rate of the dry air passing through the filter cylinder 920. However, frequent removal of the lint L from the filter cylinder 920 results in a small increase in lint L as it passes through the filter cylinder 920. The increase in the fine lint L passing through the filter cylinder 920 results in a decrease in the drying function and failure of the drying processing apparatus.

  An object of this invention is to provide the drying processing apparatus and removal apparatus which can maintain a drying function appropriately over a comparatively long period of time.

A drying apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a drying tank in which an intake port for sucking dry air for drying clothes and an exhaust port for exhausting the dry air are formed, and the exhaust port is discharged from the exhaust port. A dehumidifying and heating device that removes lint from the dry air, a dehumidifying and heating device that dehumidifies and heats the dry air from which the lint has been removed by the removing device, and a dehumidifying and heating device that performs dehumidification and heating. An air supply device for sending the dry air to the intake port, wherein the removal device is directed toward the inlet and the dehumidifying heating device into which the dry air discharged from the exhaust port is introduced. A housing formed with a discharge port for discharging air, a filter element attached to the discharge port so as to remove the lint from the dry air, and a direction from the introduction port to the filter element. An adjustment mechanism that adjusts the flow direction of the dry air, and the adjustment mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and an adjusting plate that extends from the rotating shaft, and the filter element includes A first region extending in the extending direction of the rotating shaft, and a second region extending along the first region, and the adjusting plate passes through the first region in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft. The flow rate of the dry air and the flow rate of the dry air passing through the second region are changed.

  According to the said structure, dry air flows in into a drying tank through an inlet port. Then, it is discharged from the drying tank through the exhaust port. As a result, the clothes in the drying tank are dried. The removing device removes lint from the dry air discharged from the drying tank. After the lint removal process, the dehumidifying heating device dehumidifies and heats the dry air. The air supply device sends dehumidified and heated dry air to the inlet of the drying tank. The dry air is again used to dry the clothes in the drying tank. The housing of the removal device is formed with an introduction port through which the dry air discharged from the exhaust port is introduced and a discharge port through which the dry air is discharged toward the dehumidifying heating device. A filter element attached to the outlet removes lint from the dry air. The adjusting mechanism adjusts the flow direction of the dry air from the inlet to the filter element. The adjusting mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing and an adjusting plate that extends from the rotating shaft. The filter element includes a first region extending in the extending direction of the rotating shaft, and a second region extending along the first region. The adjustment plate changes the flow rate of the dry air passing through the first region and the flow rate of the dry air passing through the second region according to the rotation of the rotating shaft, so that one of the first region and the second region has much lint. When accumulated, the flow direction of the dry air is adjusted as necessary so that the dry air is directed to the other side. As a result, the flow rate of dry air is maintained at an appropriate level. The lint captured by the filter element captures the fine lint, thus reducing the amount of fine lint flowing towards the dehumidifying and drying device. Therefore, a decrease in the drying function and a failure of the drying processing apparatus due to fine lint that has passed through the removing device are preferably suppressed. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It further has the main housing | casing which accommodates the said drying tank, the said removal apparatus, the said dehumidification heating apparatus, and the said air supply apparatus, The external air introduction from which the external air from the said main housing is introduce | transduced into the said housing | casing An opening is formed, and the removing device is connected to the rotary shaft and a valve element including a plug portion that is displaced between a closed position for closing the outside air introduction port and an open position for opening the outside air introduction port. Preferably, the cam piece displaces the plug portion between the closed position and the open position as the rotary shaft rotates.

  According to the above configuration, outside air from outside the main housing that houses the drying tank, the removing device, the dehumidifying heating device, and the air feeding device is introduced into the outside air inlet formed in the housing. The plug portion of the valve element is displaced by a cam piece connected to the rotating shaft between a closed position for closing the outside air inlet and an open position for opening the outside air inlet. When cooling of the dehumidifying heating device is required, the outside air inlet is opened. Therefore, the dehumidifying heating device is appropriately cooled. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  In the above configuration, the housing includes an inner wall surface that defines an internal space in which the dry air and the outside air flow, a first chamber in which the dry air flows in the internal space, and a second chamber in which the external air flows. A partition plate for partitioning, and the exhaust port includes a first exhaust port for exhausting the dry air in the first chamber toward the dehumidification heating device, and the dehumidification of the outside air in the second chamber. A second discharge port for discharging toward the heating device, wherein the filter element includes a first filter part covering the first discharge port and a second filter part covering the second discharge port. It is preferable to include.

  According to the said structure, the inner wall surface of a housing | casing prescribes | regulates the internal space where dry air and external air flow. The partition plate partitions the internal space into a first chamber in which dry air flows and a second chamber in which outside air flows. The first filter unit covers a first discharge port for discharging the dry air in the first chamber to the outside of the housing. The second filter unit covers a second discharge port for discharging outside air in the second chamber to the outside of the housing. Since the partition plate suppresses the movement of the lint from the first chamber to the second chamber, the clogging of the second filter portion due to the lint is suppressed. Therefore, the outside air is appropriately supplied to the dehumidifying heating device. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said dehumidification heating apparatus is adjacent to the said removal apparatus, The said dry air which passed the said 1st filter part, and the said external air which passed the said 2nd filter part are supplied to the said dehumidification heating apparatus directly It is preferred that

  According to the above configuration, since the dry air that has passed through the first filter unit is directly supplied to the dehumidifying heating device adjacent to the removing device, the dehumidifying heating device dehumidifies and heats the dry air with high efficiency. . Moreover, the outside air which passed the 2nd filter part is also supplied directly to the dehumidification heating apparatus adjacent to a removal apparatus. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the dehumidifying heating device is improved. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  In the above configuration, the partition plate includes an outer edge connected to the inner wall surface and an inner edge defining an opening through which the rotating shaft is inserted, and the second chamber passes through the opening and the second chamber It is preferable to communicate with one room.

  According to the above configuration, the outer edge of the partition plate is connected to the inner wall surface. The inner edge of the partition plate defines an opening through which the rotary shaft is inserted. Therefore, the partition plate appropriately suppresses the movement of lint from the first chamber to the second chamber between the outer edge and the inner edge. As a result, clogging of the second filter portion due to lint is suppressed. Therefore, the outside air is appropriately supplied to the dehumidifying heating device. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period. Since the second chamber communicating with the first chamber through the opening becomes negative pressure due to the flow of dry air in the first chamber, the outside air is appropriately introduced from the outside of the main housing into the outside air inlet. Therefore, the dehumidifying heating device is appropriately cooled. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said rotating shaft contains the cyclic | annular protrusion part which has the periphery along the said inner edge, and this cyclic | annular protrusion part is adjacent to the said opening part.

  According to the said structure, since the cyclic | annular protrusion part which has the periphery along an inner edge is adjacent to an opening part, the movement of the lint from a 1st chamber to a 2nd chamber is suppressed appropriately. As a result, clogging of the second filter portion due to lint is suppressed. Therefore, the outside air is appropriately supplied to the dehumidifying heating device. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  In the above configuration, the main casing includes a top wall that forms an upper surface of the main casing, and the top wall is formed with a suction port that communicates with the outside air introduction port. Adjacent to the wall is preferred.

  According to the above configuration, the suction wall communicating with the outside air inlet is formed in the top wall that forms the upper surface of the main housing. Since the removing device is adjacent to the top wall, the cooling efficiency for the dehumidifying heating device adjacent to the removing device is improved. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  In the above configuration, the top wall includes a cover element in which the suction port is formed, and a main wall in which an outlet port closed by the cover element is formed, and the cover element is connected to the housing When the cover element is removed from the main wall, the removal device connected to the cover element is preferably taken out of the main housing through the outlet.

  According to the said structure, a top wall contains the cover element in which the suction opening was formed, and the main wall in which the extraction port obstruct | occluded by the cover element was formed. The connecting portion of the cover element is connected to the housing. When the cover element is removed from the main wall, the removing device connected to the cover element is taken out of the main housing through the outlet. Therefore, maintenance of the removal device is facilitated.

  In the above configuration, the main housing includes a front wall in which an input port for inputting the clothes into the drying tub is formed, and the suction port opens in a direction opposite to the front wall. Is preferred.

  According to the above configuration, the inlet for inputting clothes into the drying tank is formed on the front wall of the main housing. Since the suction port opens in the direction opposite to the front wall, the sound generated in the main housing is less likely to be transmitted to the user existing near the front wall.

  In the above configuration, the cover element includes a cover plate including a first outer surface complementary to the outlet, and a lever plate rotatably attached to the cover plate, the cover plate including the lever The lever plate attached to the mounting port includes a base edge along the rotation axis of the lever plate, and a tip opposite to the base edge. An edge and a second outer surface formed between the base edge and the tip edge, and the tip edge is located inward of the main housing with respect to the mounting edge, and the second edge The outer surface includes a base surface extending from the base end edge along the first outer surface, and an inclined surface extending from the distal end edge toward the base surface, and the attachment edge and the inclined surface are the suction port Is preferably defined.

  According to the above configuration, the cover element includes the cover plate that includes the first outer surface that is complementary to the outlet, and the lever plate that is rotatably attached to the cover plate. The cover plate includes a mounting edge that forms a mounting opening complementary to the lever plate. The lever plate attached to the attachment port includes a base end edge along the rotation axis of the lever plate, a front end edge opposite to the base end edge, and a second outer surface formed between the base end edge and the front end edge. Including. The leading edge is located inward of the main housing from the mounting edge. The second outer surface includes a base surface extending from the base end edge along the first outer surface, and an inclined surface extending from the front end edge toward the base surface. The mounting edge and the inclined surface define a suction port. The user can easily remove the cover element from the outlet by inserting a finger into the suction port defined between the mounting edge and the inclined surface. Therefore, the efficiency of the removal device replacement or maintenance work is increased.

  The said structure WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said attachment edge contains the protruding edge raised upwards, and this protruding edge is located above the said front-end edge.

  According to the said structure, the user can mount an object on the top wall which makes the upper surface of a main housing | casing. The raised edge raised upward is located above the tip edge. Even if the user spills the liquid on the top wall, the raised edge can suitably suppress the liquid from entering the main housing through the suction port.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the cover element includes a biasing element that biases the tip edge upward.

  According to the above configuration, the urging element urges the tip edge upward, so that the suction port is prevented from becoming unnecessarily large. Therefore, the sound generated in the housing is difficult to be transmitted to the user.

  In the above configuration, it is preferable that the housing includes a partition wall that partially partitions a space between the suction port and the outside air inlet, and the partition wall protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing. .

  According to the above configuration, the partition wall protruding upward from the upper surface of the housing partially partitions the space between the suction port and the outside air introduction port. Therefore, the partition wall suitably suppresses the liquid zeroed on the top wall from flowing into the housing through the outside air inlet.

  In the above configuration, the casing includes a first casing wall in which the inlet and the outside air inlet are formed, and a second casing wall in which the outlet is formed, and the second casing wall Is preferably pivotably attached to the first housing wall.

  According to the above configuration, the housing includes the first housing wall in which the introduction port and the outside air introduction port are formed, and the second housing wall in which the discharge port is formed. Since the second housing wall is pivotably attached to the first housing wall, the lint inside the housing is easily removed.

  In the above configuration, the valve element includes a base part attached to the housing, and a hinge part formed between the base part and the plug part, and the plug part in contact with the cam piece is The plug portion that is rotated upward around the hinge portion, displaced to the open position, and released from contact with the cam piece, is rotated downward around the hinge portion by its own weight, and is in the closed position. It is preferable to be displaced.

According to the said structure, a valve element contains the base part attached to a housing | casing, and the hinge part formed between the base part and the plug part. The plug part in contact with the cam piece rotates upward around the hinge part and is displaced to the open position. The plug part released from the contact with the cam piece rotates downward around the hinge part by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position. Thus, opening and closing of the outside air inlet is achieved by a relatively simplified structure.

  A removal apparatus for removing lint from dry air for drying clothes according to another aspect of the present invention includes a housing formed with an introduction port through which the dry air is introduced and an exhaust port through which the dry air is discharged. A filter element that is attached to the discharge port so as to remove the lint from the dry air, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a flow direction of the dry air from the inlet port toward the filter element. The mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and an adjustment plate that extends from the rotating shaft, and the filter element includes a first region that extends in an extending direction of the rotating shaft, and the first region. A second region extending along the axis, and the adjustment plate is configured to allow the flow of the dry air to pass through the first region and the drying to pass through the second region according to the rotation of the rotating shaft. And characterized by changing the flow rate of the gas.

  According to the above configuration, the inlet of the removal device is formed with the introduction port for introducing the dry air and the discharge port for discharging the dry air. A filter element attached to the outlet removes lint from the dry air. The adjusting mechanism adjusts the flow direction of the dry air from the inlet to the filter element. The adjusting mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing and an adjusting plate that extends from the rotating shaft. The filter element includes a first region extending in the extending direction of the rotating shaft, and a second region extending along the first region. The adjustment plate changes the flow rate of the dry air passing through the first region and the flow rate of the dry air passing through the second region according to the rotation of the rotating shaft, so that one of the first region and the second region has much lint. When accumulated, the flow direction of the dry air is adjusted as necessary so that the dry air is directed to the other side. As a result, the flow rate of dry air is maintained at an appropriate level. Since the lint captured by the filter element captures fine lint, the leakage of fine lint from the housing is reduced. Therefore, a decrease in drying function due to fine lint that has passed through the removing device is suitably suppressed. Thus, the drying function is properly maintained over a relatively long period.

  As described above, the drying processing apparatus and removal apparatus according to the present invention can maintain an appropriate drying function for a relatively long period of time.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. 1. It is an expansion perspective view of the top wall of the washing / drying machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows schematically the external air introduction mechanism of the washing-drying machine shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing of the external air introduction mechanism in alignment with the AA line shown by FIG. It is a top view which shows roughly the cover mechanism of the external air introduction mechanism shown by FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic bottom view of the cover mechanism shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the filter device of the outside air introduction mechanism shown in FIG. 4. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the filter apparatus which follows the BB line shown by FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the filter device along the line CC shown in FIG. 9. 6 shows the operation of the adjustment mechanism of the filter device shown in FIG. 6 shows the operation of the adjustment mechanism of the filter device shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of elements that control the operation of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The rotation range of the rotating shaft based on control with respect to the adjustment mechanism shown by FIG. 13 is shown. It is sectional drawing which shows schematically the rotating shaft of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the opening / closing operation | movement of the housing | casing of the filter apparatus shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional filter apparatus roughly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description, such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like, are merely for the purpose of clarifying the explanation and do not limit the present invention. Not what you want.

(Washing dryer overall configuration)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washing / drying machine exemplified as a drying processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a laundry dryer having both a washing function and a drying function is exemplified as the drying processing apparatus. Alternatively, a dryer that does not have a washing function may be used as the drying processing apparatus.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes a main housing 200 and a door body 300. The main housing 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main housing 200 includes a front wall 210 standing up and down, a back wall 220 opposite to the front wall 210, a left side wall 230 standing up and down between the front wall 210 and the back wall 220, and It includes a right wall 240, a top wall 250 that forms the upper surface of the main housing 200, and a bottom wall 260 that forms the lower surface of the main housing 200.

  The front wall 210 includes a lower wall 211 disposed below, a central wall 212 disposed above the lower wall 211, and an upper wall 213 disposed above the central wall 212. The central wall 212 and the upper wall 213 are inclined while being curved so as to approach the back wall 220 as it goes upward.

  The central wall 212 includes an annular concave surface 214 that forms a concave region that is substantially complementary to the substantially disk-shaped door body 300. The concave surface 214 surrounds the charging port 215 formed so as to penetrate substantially the center of the central wall 212. The input port 215 communicates with a washing / drying tank (described later) housed in the main housing 200. The user can put clothes in and out of the main casing 200 through the insertion port 215 (clothes and similar items).

  The washer / dryer 100 includes a hinge structure 330 that rotatably connects the door body 300 to the main housing 200. The hinge structure 330 allows the door body 300 to rotate between a closed position where the input port 215 is closed and an open position where the input port 215 is opened. The door body 300 rotated to the closed position is accommodated in a concave region surrounded by the concave surface 214. In addition, the door body 300 shown in FIG. 1 exists in an open position.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine 100 having the door body 300 in the closed position. The arrangement, shape and structure of the elements in the main housing 200 shown in FIG. 2 should not be construed as limiting. The arrangement, shape, and structure of elements in the main housing 200 may be appropriately determined according to the design and function of the drying processing apparatus. The overall structure of the washing / drying machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a processing apparatus 400 that performs a drying process is constructed in the main casing 200. In the present embodiment, the processing apparatus 400 executes processes necessary for washing and drying the clothing C such as a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process in addition to the drying process. Alternatively, if a dryer without a washing function is used as the drying processing device, the processing device may perform only the drying process.

  The processing apparatus 400 includes the above-described washing / drying tank 410. The washing / drying tank 410 includes a cylindrical water tank 420 having a bottom and a bottom end supported in a swingable manner inside the main casing 200, and a rotating drum 440 having a cylindrical shape having a bottom and a bottom end rotatably supported in the water tank 420. including. The processing apparatus 400 includes a suspension 490 that elastically supports the washing / drying tank 410. The suspension 490 connected to the bottom wall 260 of the main housing 200 appropriately absorbs vibrations generated during various processes such as the above-described drying process, washing process, rinsing process, and dehydrating process.

  The processing apparatus 400 further includes a motor 430 that rotates the rotating drum 440. The main body of the motor 430 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom wall 431 of the water tank 420. The rotating shaft of the motor 430 passes through the bottom wall 431 of the water tank 420 and is connected to the bottom wall 432 of the rotating drum 440. The motor 430 rotates the rotating drum 440 during various processes such as a drying process, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process.

  The front wall 433 opposite to the bottom wall 431 of the water tank 420 is formed with an opening 434 that is substantially concentric with the substantially circular door 300 at the closed position. Similarly, an opening 436 that is substantially concentric with the opening 434 formed in the front wall 433 of the water tank 420 is formed on the front wall 435 opposite to the bottom wall 432 of the rotating drum 440. The user can move the door body 300 to the open position and put the clothes C into the rotary drum 440 through the insertion port 215. The processing apparatus 400 further includes a bellows 437 disposed between the central wall 212 of the main housing 200 and the front wall 433 of the water tank 420. The water tank 420 is elastically connected to the main housing 200 via the bellows 437.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the door body 300 includes a transparent window portion 310 having a substantially one-end trapezoidal cone shape and a substantially disc-shaped support frame 320 that supports the window portion 310. As shown in FIG. 2, when the door body 300 is disposed at the closed position, the window 310 is inserted into the insertion port 215 formed in the main housing 200. While the door 300 is in the closed position, the user can visually recognize the clothes C in the washing / drying tub 410 through the transparent window 310.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 420 is formed with a discharge port 423 for discharging the washing liquid and an inlet 424 through which the washing liquid flows. The washing liquid used for washing is circulated between the outlet 423 and the inlet 424. The washing / drying machine 100 includes a pipe line 425 that defines a circulation path of the washing liquid between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424. The pipe line 425 includes an upstream pipe line 426 and a downstream pipe line 427. One end of the upstream conduit 426 is connected to the discharge port 423. The other end of the upstream conduit 426 is connected to the bottom wall 260 of the main housing 200. One end of the downstream pipe 427 is connected to a middle part of the upstream pipe 426. The other end of the downstream pipe 427 is connected to the inflow port 424.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes a circulation pump 428 that causes the washing liquid to circulate between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424, and a discharge valve 429 that controls the discharge of the washing liquid to the outside of the main housing 200. . Both the circulation pump 428 and the discharge valve 429 are attached to the upstream line 426. Circulation pump 428 is disposed upstream of the connection between upstream line 426 and downstream line 427. The discharge valve 429 is disposed downstream of the circulation pump 428. While the washing / drying machine 100 is executing a process (for example, a washing process or an rinsing process) that requires a predetermined amount of water stored in the washing / drying tank 410, the discharge valve 429 is closed. During this time, the circulation pump 428 operates as necessary to cause the washing liquid to circulate between the discharge port 423 and the inflow port 424. On the other hand, when the washing / drying machine 100 performs a process (for example, a dehydration process or a drying process) that does not require water storage in the washing / drying tank 410, the discharge valve 429 is opened. As a result, the washing liquid in the washing / drying tank 410 is discharged from the bottom wall 260 to the outside of the main housing 200 through the upstream conduit 426.

  The laundry dryer 100 includes a circulation mechanism 600 that circulates dry air for drying the clothes C accommodated in the rotary drum 440. The water tank 420 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 438 extending between the bottom wall 431 and the front wall 433. An exhaust port 601 through which dry air is exhausted from the washing / drying tank 410 is formed in the peripheral wall 438 of the water tank 420. In addition, an air inlet 643 through which dry air is sucked into the washing / drying tank 410 is formed in the bottom wall 431 of the water tank 420. The circulation mechanism 600 circulates dry air between the exhaust port 601 and the intake port 643.

  The bottom wall 432 of the rotating drum 440 is formed with a bottom hole 645 for urging dry air sucked from the intake port 643 into the rotating drum 440. The rotating drum 440 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 439 extending between the bottom wall 432 and the front wall 435. A plurality of peripheral holes 646 are formed in the peripheral wall 439 of the rotating drum 440 for urging dry air to the exhaust port 601 formed in the peripheral wall 438 of the water tank 420. Drying air from the bottom hole 645 toward the peripheral hole 646 prompts the clothing C in the rotary drum 440 to dry. In this embodiment, the washing / drying tank 410 in which the drying process is performed is exemplified as a drying tank.

  A circulation mechanism 600 that circulates dry air in the main housing 200 includes a first conduit 610 extending from the exhaust port 601 toward the top wall 250 of the main housing 200 and a filter device connected to the first conduit 610. 700 and a heat pump 630 adjacent to the filter device 700. As shown in FIG. 1, the top wall 250 includes a substantially rectangular main wall 252 that forms most of the upper surface of the main housing 200, and a substantially rectangular cover mechanism 800 surrounded by the main wall 252. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter device 700 is adjacent to the cover mechanism 800.

  During the drying process in the rotating drum 440, lint (dust components such as lint) is separated from the clothing C. The lint is introduced into the filter device 700 through the first conduit 610 according to the flow of dry air. Filter device 700 is configured to remove lint in the dry air. In the present embodiment, the filter device 700 is exemplified as a removal device.

  As will be described later, the filter device 700 is connected to a cover mechanism 800 that is detachably attached to the main wall 252. When the cover mechanism 800 is removed from the main wall 252, the filter device 700 is removed together with the cover mechanism 800 out of the main housing 200. The user can then remove the lint that has accumulated in the filter device 700.

  The heat pump 630 may be a commonly used heat exchanger. The heat pump 630 includes a dehumidifying unit 635 that cools dry air and removes moisture in the dry air, and a heating unit 633 that heats the dry air that has passed through the dehumidifying unit 635. Dehumidification by the dehumidifying unit 635 and heating by the heating unit 633 are achieved by pressurizing and heating the refrigerant passing through the dehumidifying unit 635 and the heating unit 633. In the present embodiment, the heat pump 630 is exemplified as a dehumidifying heating device. The dehumidifying heating device may be a device in which a dehumidifying unit 635 and a heating unit 633 are incorporated, such as the heat pump 630. Alternatively, the dehumidifying and heating device may include a dehumidifying device that performs dehumidification and a heating device that is provided separately from the dehumidifying device.

  The circulation mechanism 600 includes a blower 621 for sending dry air dehumidified and heated by the heat pump 630 to the intake port 643, and a second pipe 620 for guiding the dry air flowing by the blower 621 to the intake port 643. . The blower 621 creates a negative pressure on the upstream side of the blower 621 and creates a positive pressure on the downstream side of the blower 621. As a result, a circulation of dry air between the exhaust port 601 and the intake port 643 is created. In the present embodiment, the blower 621 is exemplified as an air supply device.

  The circulation mechanism 600 includes a branch pipeline 650 that branches from the second pipeline 620, and a switching valve 651 that is disposed at a connection portion between the second pipeline 620 and the branch pipeline 650. The branch conduit 650 has a tip portion that communicates with an opening 436 formed in the front wall 435 of the rotary drum 440. The switching valve 651 rotates between a first position where the flow of dry air from the blower 621 toward the intake port 643 is blocked and a second position along the flow of dry air from the blower 621 toward the intake port 643. When the switching valve 651 is in the first position, most of the dry air is blown from the opening 436 of the rotating drum 440 to the clothing C through the branch pipe 650. When the switching valve 651 is in the second position, most of the dry air is directed to the intake port 643. For example, the switching valve 651 is set to the second position for a predetermined period after the drying process is started. Thereafter, the switching valve 651 is set to the first position until the drying process is completed. Thus, the drying operation is changed in accordance with the degree of drying of the clothing C.

(Outside air introduction mechanism)
An outside air introduction mechanism for cooling the heat pump 630 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, in order to maintain the heat exchange efficiency of the heat pump 630 described above, outside air outside the main housing 200 is introduced into the main housing 200 as cooling air.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outside air introduction mechanism 150 includes the above-described filter device 700 and a cover mechanism 800 disposed above the filter device 700. As described above, the cover mechanism 800 is attached to the top wall 250 of the main housing 200.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the top wall 250. The outside air introduction mechanism 150 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The top wall 250 is formed with an outlet 251 opening in a substantially rectangular shape. The outlet 251 is formed to allow the filter device 700 to be taken in and out of the main housing 200. As will be described later, the cover mechanism 800 is connected to the filter device 700. Therefore, the user can take out the filter device 700 out of the main housing 200 through the outlet 251 by removing the cover mechanism 800 from the outlet 251. Further, the user connects the cover mechanism 800 to the filter device 700 and attaches the cover mechanism 800 to the outlet 251 so that the filter device 700 is disposed at an appropriate position in the main housing 200 in which the clothing C is accommodated. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cover mechanism 800 includes a cover plate 810 having an outer surface 813 that is complementary to the outlet 251, and a lever plate 820 that is rotatably attached to the cover plate 810. The cover plate 810 appropriately closes the outlet 251. Therefore, leakage of mechanical sound and flow sound generated from various elements (for example, the washing / drying tank 410, the filter device 700, the heat pump 630, and the blower 621) housed in the main housing 200 is appropriately suppressed. As will be described later, a suction port for introducing outside air into the main housing 200 is formed between the cover plate 810 and the lever plate 820. In addition, the filter device 700 is formed with an outside air introduction port formed so as to communicate with the suction port. The outside air taken into the main housing 200 through the outside air inlet of the filter device 700 is used for cooling the heat pump 630 described above. In the present embodiment, the cover mechanism 800 is exemplified as a cover element. Further, the outer surface 813 of the cover plate 810 is exemplified as the first outer surface.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the outside air introduction mechanism 150. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the outside air introduction mechanism 150 taken along the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the cover plate 810. The suction port formed between the cover plate 810 and the lever plate 820 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover plate 810 of the cover mechanism 800 is attached to the upper part of the filter device 700. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover plate 810 includes a mounting edge 812 that forms a mounting opening 811 that is complementary to the lever plate 820. In the present embodiment, the attachment edge 812 draws a substantially rectangular closed loop. As shown in FIG. 1, the lever plate 820 is attached so as to close the attachment port 811.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the lever plate 820 includes a base edge 821 located on the back side of the washing / drying machine 100, a tip edge 822 located on the opposite side (that is, the front side) of the base edge 821, And an outer surface 823 extending between the edge 821 and the tip edge 822. The base edge 821 is along the rotation axis of the lever plate 820. In the present embodiment, the outer surface 823 of the lever plate 820 is exemplified as the second outer surface.

  The lever plate 820 rotates up and down around the rotation axis in the vicinity of the base end edge 821. Therefore, the user can hold down the cover plate 810 by pushing down the lever plate 820. The leading edge 822 is located below the attachment edge 812 (that is, inside the main housing 200).

  The outer surface 823 of the lever plate 820 includes a base surface 824 extending in the front direction from the base end edge 821 along the outer surface 813 of the cover plate 810, and a curved inclined surface 825 extending inclined from the front end edge 822 toward the base surface 824. Including. A space formed between the inclined surface 825 and the mounting edge 812 is used as a suction port 830 for sucking outside air. The suction port 830 opens in the opposite direction to the front wall 210 (that is, toward the back wall 220). The suction port 830 opened obliquely upward mainly defines the transmission direction of the sound generated in the main housing 200 in the back direction, so that sound transmission to a user working near the front wall 210 is preferable. It is suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting edge 812 includes a raised edge 814 raised upward. The raised edge 814 is located above the leading edge 822 of the lever plate 820. The raised edge 814 suitably prevents, for example, water that has dripped from the laundry placed on the top wall 250 by the user from flowing into the suction port 830.

  FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cover mechanism 800. The rotation of the lever plate 820 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7.

  The lever plate 820 includes a first shaft piece 826 and a second shaft piece 827 disposed in the vicinity of the base end edge 821. The first shaft piece 826 and the second shaft piece 827 protrude downward from the bottom surface of the lever plate 820. The first shaft piece 826 includes a substantially cylindrical first shaft 828. The second shaft piece 827 includes a substantially cylindrical second shaft 829 that is shorter than the first shaft 828. The first shaft 828 and the second shaft 829 extend along the proximal edge 821.

  The cover plate 810 includes a mounting wall 815 extending so as to draw a substantially rectangular loop. The mounting wall 815 protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the cover plate 810. The mounting wall 815 includes a first bearing piece 816 that rotatably supports the first shaft 828 and a second bearing piece 817 that rotatably supports the second shaft 829. The first bearing piece 816 and the second bearing piece 817 protrude in the front direction from the inner surface of the mounting wall 815 adjacent to the base end edge 821 of the lever plate 820. Thus, the lever plate 820 is rotatably attached to the cover plate 810. The first shaft 828 and the second shaft 829 aligned along the base end edge 821 of the lever plate 820 define the rotation axis of the lever plate 820.

  The cover mechanism 800 includes a torsion coil spring 840 that surrounds the first shaft 828. One end of the torsion coil spring 840 is connected to the bottom surface of the cover plate 810. The other end of the torsion coil spring 840 is connected to the bottom surface of the lever plate 820. Thus, the torsion coil spring 840 biases the lever plate 820 so as to push the tip edge 822 of the lever plate 820 upward. In the present embodiment, the torsion coil spring 840 is exemplified as an urging mechanism.

  The lever plate 820 includes a substantially U-shaped positioning piece 891. The positioning piece 891 forms a tip edge 822 and a part of a side edge of the lever plate 820. The positioning piece 891 partially overlaps the cover plate 810. Thus, the positioning piece 891 appropriately restricts the upward rotation of the lever plate 820 due to the biasing of the torsion coil spring 840.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of the filter device 700. The connection between the cover mechanism 800 and the filter device 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the filter device 700 includes a housing 710. The housing 710 is formed with an introduction port 712 through which dry air discharged from the exhaust port 601 is introduced and an outside air introduction port 725 through which outside air outside the main housing 200 is introduced. A discharge port 713 is formed in the housing 710 so as to face the introduction port 712. A support portion 714 having a right-angle lattice shape is formed at the discharge port 713. A filter mesh 720 (see FIG. 5) is attached along the support portion 714.

  The dry air guided from the exhaust port 601 to the filter device 700 through the first conduit 610 is introduced into the housing 710 through the introduction port 712. Thereafter, the dry air is discharged from a discharge port 713 formed to face the introduction port 712. As the dry air passes through the outlet 713, the filter mesh 720 traps the dry air. As a result, the filter mesh 720 can preferably capture lint contained in the dry air. The heat pump 630 is disposed immediately after the discharge port 713. Therefore, the dry air that has been subjected to the lint removal process is discharged from the discharge port 713 toward the heat pump 630. In the present embodiment, the filter mesh 720 is exemplified as a filter element. In the following description, the flow direction of dry air from the inlet 712 toward the outlet 713 (that is, the direction from the front wall 210 to the back wall 220) is referred to as a first direction.

  The housing 710 includes a first housing wall 715 in which an introduction port 712 and an outside air introduction port 725 are formed, and a second housing wall 716 in which a discharge port 713 is formed. The first housing wall 715 includes a connection wall 717 having a substantially U-shaped cross section used for connection with the cover mechanism 800. As shown in FIG. 5, a space R <b> 1 for turning the lever plate 820 is formed between the connection wall 717 curved downward and the flat cover plate 810.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the connection wall 717 includes a protrusion 718 protruding upward. The protrusion 718 is formed along the edge on the back side of the connection wall 717. A mounting wall 815 of the cover plate 810 disposed so as to cover the connection wall 717 is adjacent to the protrusion 718. The mounting wall 815 and the protrusion 718 are connected using an appropriate fixing tool such as a screw or a screw. In the present embodiment, the attachment wall 815 is exemplified as the connecting portion.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the line BB shown in FIG. The introduction of outside air into the housing 710 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 8, and 9.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5, a space is formed between the substantially flat cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717 curved downward. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first housing wall 715 includes a partition wall 719 extending in the first direction. The partition wall 719 partially divides the space between the cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717 into a space R1 in which the lever plate 820 is rotated and a space R2 into which outside air flows. The space R <b> 2 communicates with the suction port 830 through a gap between the upper edge of the partition wall 719 and the cover plate 810.

  The connection wall 717 that defines the space R2 is formed with an outside air introduction port 725 that is open in a substantially rectangular shape. A space between the suction port 830 and the outside air introduction port 725 (that is, a space between the cover plate 810 and the connection wall 717) is partially partitioned by a partition wall 719 protruding upward from the upper surface of the connection wall 717. . The partition wall 719 suitably suppresses the inflow of the liquid that has flowed down from the suction port 830 onto the connection wall 717 to the outside air introduction port 725.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the filter device 700 includes an opening / closing mechanism 730 that opens and closes the outside air introduction port 725. The opening / closing mechanism 730 includes a valve piece 735. The valve piece 735 is displaced between a base portion 731 fitted into an opening formed adjacent to the outside air introduction port 725, a closed position where the outside air introduction port 725 is closed, and an open position where the outside air introduction port 725 is opened. Plug portion 732 and a thin portion 733 formed between the base portion 731 and the plug portion 732. In this embodiment, the valve piece 735 is illustrated as a valve element. In FIG. 9, the plug portion 732 in the open position is drawn with a dotted line.

  The base portion 731 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is fixedly attached to the connection wall 717. The plug portion 732 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape partially projects into the internal space of the housing 710 through the outside air introduction port 725. The plug part 732 rotates around the thin part 733 between an open position and a closed position. While the plug portion 732 is in the open position, outside air flows into the housing 710 through the suction port 830 and the outside air introduction port 725 communicating with the outside of the main housing 200. In this embodiment, the thin part 733 is illustrated as a hinge part.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the line CC shown in FIG. The opening / closing mechanism 730 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 9, and 10.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the housing 710 includes an inner wall surface 726 that forms a substantially cylindrical internal space. An internal space formed by the inner wall surface 726 extends in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The housing 710 includes an annular partition plate 729 that partitions an internal space extending in the second direction into a first chamber 727 and a second chamber 728. The first chamber 727 communicates with the introduction port 712. Accordingly, dry air flows in the first chamber 727. As shown in FIG. 9, the second chamber 728 communicates with the outside air introduction port 725. Therefore, outside air flows in the second chamber 728 while the plug portion 732 is in the open position.

  Filter device 700 includes a rotating shaft 740 that rotates within housing 710. The first housing wall 715 includes a first side wall 736 and a second side wall 737 that extend between the introduction port 712 and the discharge port 713. A gear 738 is attached to the outer surface of the first side wall 736. The gear 738 includes a gear shaft 739 that is inserted through a through hole formed in the first side wall 736. The gear shaft 739 is inserted into a recess formed at one end of the rotating shaft 740. Appropriate fasteners such as screws and screws are threaded along the longitudinal axes of the gear shaft 739 and the rotating shaft 740. Thus, gear 738 and rotating shaft 740 are properly connected. The gear 738 is connected to a motor or other suitable drive source. Due to the transmission of the driving force to the gear 738, the rotating shaft 740 is appropriately rotated within the housing 710. The second side wall 737 includes a boss 741 that is inserted into a recess formed at the other end of the rotating shaft 740. The boss 741 supports the rotary shaft 740 in a rotatable manner.

  The opening / closing mechanism 730 includes a cam piece 745 protruding from the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 740 in the second chamber 728. The cam piece 745 that rotates together with the rotating shaft 740 is formed so as to come into contact with the plug portion 732 that exists in the closed position. The plug portion 732 that is in contact with the cam piece 745 is pushed upward. Thus, the plug portion 732 rotates upward around the thin portion 733 and is displaced to the open position. Thereafter, the plug portion 732 released from contact with the cam piece 745 rotates downward around the hinge portion by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position. Thus, the opening / closing mechanism 730 can open and close the outside air inlet 725 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 740.

  Partition plate 729 includes an outer edge 746 connected to inner wall surface 726 of housing 710 and an inner edge 747 that forms an opening through which rotating shaft 740 is inserted. The rotating shaft 740 crosses the opening formed by the inner edge 747. An annular gap is formed between the inner edge 747 and the rotating shaft 740 for communicating the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728.

  The flow of dry air flowing from the inlet 712 toward the outlet 713 causes the second chamber 728 to have a negative pressure. As a result, when the plug portion 732 is pushed up by the cam piece 745, outside air flows into the second chamber 728 from the suction port 830.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge port 713 flows into the first chamber 728 and the second chamber 728 for discharging the dry air flowing into the first chamber 727 from the introduction port 712 toward the heat pump 630. And a second discharge port 749 for discharging the outside air toward the heat pump 630. Further, the filter mesh 720 includes a first filter portion 751 (see FIG. 5) that covers the first discharge port 748 and a second filter portion 752 (see FIG. 9) that covers the second discharge port 749. The first filter portion 751 is used for trapping dry air flowing from the introduction port 712 and removing lint contained in the dry air. After the lint removal, the dry air is supplied directly to the heat pump 630 (ie, without the blower 621 in between). The second filter portion 752 is used for trapping outside air flowing in from the outside air introduction port 725 and removing foreign matters (for example, dust) contained in the outside air. After removing the foreign matter, the outside air is supplied to the heat pump 630 directly (that is, without sandwiching the blower 621).

(Adjustment mechanism)
An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the flow direction of dry air from the inlet 712 to the outlet 713 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 10.

  The filter device 700 includes an adjustment mechanism 500 for adjusting the flow direction of dry air from the inlet 712 toward the outlet 713. The adjusting mechanism 500 includes the above-described rotating shaft 740 and an adjusting piece 765 extending from the rotating shaft 740. As the rotary shaft 740 rotates in the housing 710, the adjustment piece 765 rotates. The adjustment piece 765 is a substantially rectangular plate material. In the present embodiment, the adjustment piece 765 is exemplified as an adjustment plate.

  The housing 710 includes an upper stopper pin 773 and a lower stopper pin 774 that protrude from the inner wall surface 726 toward the discharge port 713. The upper stopper pin 773 is formed above the introduction port 712. The lower stopper pin 774 is formed below the introduction port 712. The adjustment piece 765 includes a tip 766 that circulates between the upper stopper pin 773 and the lower stopper pin 774. When the adjustment piece 765 moves upward, the tip end portion 766 contacts the upper stopper pin 773. As a result, the upward movement of the adjustment piece 765 is restricted. When the adjustment piece 765 moves downward, the tip 766 abuts against the lower stopper pin 774. As a result, the downward movement of the adjustment piece 765 is restricted. In the present embodiment, the upper stopper pin 773 and / or the lower stopper pin 774 is exemplified as the restriction element.

  11 and 12 schematically show the operation of the adjustment mechanism 500. FIGS. 11A and 12A are schematic cross-sectional views of the filter device 700. FIG. FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B show the first filter unit 751. The operation of the adjustment mechanism 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The adjustment piece 765 shown in FIG. 11A protrudes downward from the rotary shaft 740, and the tip end portion 766 is in contact with the lower stopper pin 774. The adjustment piece 765 shown in FIG. 12A is maintained in a horizontal posture than the adjustment piece 765 shown in FIG.

  The rotating shaft 740 extends in the second direction. The first filter portion 751 extends in the second direction as with the rotary shaft 740. In FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B, a virtual line FL that bisects the first filter portion 751 is shown. Virtual line FL defines an upper region 753 that extends along the extending direction of rotating shaft 740 and a lower region 754 that extends along upper region 753. In the present embodiment, the upper region 753 is exemplified as the first region. The lower region 754 is exemplified as the second region.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the adjustment piece 765 that protrudes downward from the rotating shaft 740 interferes with dry air that flows below the rotating shaft 740. As a result, much dry air is urged upward. As a result, the flow rate of dry air passing through the lower region 754 decreases, while the flow rate of dry air passing through the upper region 753 increases.

  The adjustment piece 765 shown in FIG. 12 allows a smooth flow of dry air as compared with the adjustment piece 765 shown in FIG. As a result, when the adjustment piece 765 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12, the flow rate of the dry air passing through the lower region 754 increases, while the drying piece passing through the upper region 753 is increased. The air flow rate decreases.

  Therefore, the adjustment piece 765 can change the flow rate of the dry air that passes through the upper region 753 and the flow rate of the dry air that passes through the lower region 754 as the rotary shaft 740 rotates.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of elements responsible for controlling the filter device 700. Control for the filter device 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 11 to 13.

  The washer / dryer 100 includes a control element 510 for controlling the adjustment mechanism 500. The adjusting mechanism 500 includes a stepping motor 520 for rotating the rotating shaft 740. The control element 510 regulates the flow of dry air in the filter device 700 through control of the stepping motor 520 that meshes with the gear 738 described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the stepping motor 520 is exemplified as a drive source. Alternatively, other drive elements that can rotate the rotating shaft 740 may be used as the drive source.

  The blower 621 includes a fan 622 and a motor 623 for rotating the fan 622. The motor 623 rotates the fan 622 so that the amount of dry air circulated in the washing / drying machine 100 is maintained at a predetermined level. The washer / dryer 100 includes a power supply source 530 for supplying power to the motor 623. The control element 510 controls the stepping motor 520 based on the power sent from the power supply source 530 to the motor 623. As a result, the flow of the dry air in the filter device 700 described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 is appropriately adjusted.

  In this embodiment, the control element 510 reads or receives the value of the current flowing from the power supply 530 to the motor 623 so that the value of the current is reduced (ie, the power is reduced). ) Control the stepping motor 520. For example, in the upper region 753 of the first filter unit 751, the position of the adjustment piece 765 is set so that more dry air passes through the upper region 753 when more lint is attached than in the lower region 754. Rather than being done, when the position of the adjustment piece 765 is set so that more dry air passes through the lower region 754, the same amount of dry air is circulated at a lower current value. Therefore, in this case, the control element 510 adjusts the position of the adjustment piece 765 so that much dry air passes through the lower region 754.

  The heat pump 630 includes a temperature sensor 631 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant used for heat exchange with the dry air, and a compressor 632 that compresses the refrigerant. The control element 510 controls the stepping motor 520 based on the refrigerant temperature detected by the temperature sensor 631 and the rotation speed of the compressor 632 to move the plug portion 732 to the open position or the closed position.

  The control element 510 includes an acquisition unit 511 that reads or receives a value of a current flowing from the power supply source 530 to the motor 623. The acquisition unit 511 further receives an output signal from the temperature sensor 631. In addition, the acquisition unit 511 reads or receives the rotational speed of the compressor 632. In the present embodiment, the value of the current flowing from the power supply source 530 to the motor 623 is exemplified as power information. Further, the output signal from the temperature sensor 631 and / or the rotation speed of the compressor 632 is exemplified as temperature information.

  The control element 510 includes an output unit 512 that outputs an operation signal for operating the stepping motor 520. The operation signal includes a first operation signal for rotating the rotary shaft 740 over a predetermined rotation range defined by the upper stopper pin 773 and / or the lower stopper pin 774. Based on the first operation signal, the acquisition unit 511 monitors the current value supplied to the blower 621 while the rotary shaft 740 rotates over a predetermined rotation range.

  The reference position for the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 is set to, for example, a position where the adjustment piece 765 contacts the upper stopper pin 773 and / or a position where the adjustment piece 765 contacts the lower stopper pin 774. The stepping motor 520 rotates the rotating shaft 740 over a predetermined rotation range based on the first operation signal. The acquisition unit 511 monitors the current value during the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 and finds a period from when the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 is started until the minimum current value is observed. In the present embodiment, the data of the period found by the acquisition unit 511 is exemplified as position information regarding the position of the adjustment piece 765.

  The control element 510 includes a storage unit 513 that stores data for the period found by the acquisition unit 511. The operation signal includes a second operation signal for moving the adjustment piece 765 to a position where power is reduced most during the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 based on the first operation signal. Based on the period data, the position of the adjustment piece 765 when the power is reduced most during the rotation of the rotating shaft 740 is found. The output unit 512 outputs the second operation signal to the stepping motor 520 after the rotation of the rotary shaft 740 based on the first operation signal is completed. As a result, the adjustment piece 765 moves to a position where the power supplied to the blower 621 is most reduced.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the outside air introduction mechanism 150. The control by the control element 510 is further described with reference to FIGS. 9, 13, and 14.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation range of the rotation shaft 740 includes an upper rotation range UR and a lower rotation range LR. The upper rotation range UR is defined as, for example, a range from when the adjustment piece 765 contacts the upper stopper pin 773 until it moves downward by about 60 °. The lower rotation range LR is defined as, for example, a range from when the adjustment piece 765 contacts the lower stopper pin 774 until it moves upward by about 49 °. While the rotary shaft 740 rotates within the upper rotation range UR, the plug portion 732 is kept in the open position. While the rotary shaft 740 rotates within the lower rotation range LR, the plug portion 732 is kept in the closed position. In the present embodiment, the lower rotation range LR is exemplified as the first range. Further, the upper rotation range UR is exemplified as the second range.

  The first operation signal described above includes a first mode signal for rotating the rotation shaft 740 over the lower rotation range LR and a second mode signal for rotating the rotation shaft 740 within the upper rotation range UR. Including. The acquisition unit 511 determines whether or not the heat pump 630 needs to be cooled based on the output signal from the temperature sensor 631 and / or the rotational speed of the compressor 632. When the cooling of the heat pump 630 is not required, the acquisition unit 511 selects the first mode in which the rotating shaft 740 rotates over the lower rotation range LR. When the cooling of the heat pump 630 is required, the second mode in which the rotating shaft 740 rotates over the upper rotation range UR is selected. As a result, the plug portion 732 moves to the open position, and outside air is supplied to the heat pump 630.

  The output unit 512 selectively outputs the first mode signal and the second mode signal according to the determination of the acquisition unit 511. As a result, the rotation shaft 740 rotates over the upper rotation range UR or the lower rotation range LR. During this time, the acquisition unit 511 monitors the current value during the rotation of the rotary shaft 740 and finds a period from when the rotation of the rotary shaft 740 is started until the minimum current value is observed. The storage unit 513 stores a period from when rotation of the rotary shaft 740 is started until a minimum current value is observed. Thereafter, the output unit 512 outputs a second operation signal. As a result, the adjustment piece 765 moves to a position where the power supplied to the blower 621 is most reduced.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the filter device 700 along the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft 740. The rotating shaft 740 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the inner edge 747 of the partition plate 729 forms an opening that allows the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728 to communicate with each other. The rotating shaft 740 includes an annular protrusion 775 adjacent to the opening defined by the inner edge 747. The annular protrusion 775 formed to have a size substantially equal to the opening includes a peripheral edge 776 along the inner edge 747 of the partition plate 729. Therefore, the annular protrusion 775 suitably suppresses the lint riding on the flow of dry air in the second direction from entering the second chamber 728 from the first chamber 727. A slight gap is formed between the partition plate 729 and the annular protrusion 775. The communication between the first chamber 727 and the second chamber 728 is maintained by the gap between the partition plate 729 and the annular protrusion 775.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the housing 710 of the filter device 700. FIG. 16A shows the housing 710 in use. FIG. 16B shows the housing 710 at the time of disassembly. The housing 710 is described with reference to FIG.

  The second housing wall 716 is attached to the first housing wall 715 so as to be rotatable. A connection portion 780 between the first housing wall 715 and the second housing wall 716 is provided below the connection wall 717 of the first housing wall 715. The second housing wall 716 includes, for example, a connection plate 781 disposed immediately below the connection wall 717 and a pin 782 protruding from the connection plate 781. The connection wall 717 is formed to hold the pin 782 rotatably. The user can suitably remove the lint accumulated in the housing 710 by rotating the second housing wall 716.

  The present invention is suitably used for a washing machine, a dryer, and a laundry dryer.

100 ·································································································································· ········································································································································ Adjusting mechanism 601 Blower 630 ... Heat pump 643 ... Air inlet 700 ... Filter device 710 ... Case 712 ... Inlet 713 ... ··· outlet 715 ······ first housing wall 716 ··· second housing wall 719 ··· partition wall 720 ··· filter mesh 725 ··· ... Outside air inlet 726 ..... Inner wall surface 727 ..... First chamber 728 ..... Second chamber 729 ..... Partition plate 73・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Base 732 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Plug 733 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Thin part 735 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Valve piece 740 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Rotary shaft 745 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・Cam piece 746 ... outer edge 747 ... inner edge 748 ... first discharge port 749 ... second discharge port 751 ... first filter Part 752... Second filter part 753... Upper region 754 .. lower region 765 .. adjustment piece 775. 800... Cover mechanism 810... Cover plate 811 .. Mounting port 812 .. Mounting edge 813 .. Outer surface 814.・ Raised edge 815 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Mounting wall 820 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Lever plate 821... Base end edge 822. .... outer surface 824 ...... base surface 825 ...... inclined surface 830 ...... suction opening
840 ... Torsion coil spring C ... Clothes

Claims (16)

A drying tank in which an intake port for sucking dry air for drying clothes and an exhaust port for exhausting the dry air are formed;
A removal device for removing lint from the dry air discharged from the exhaust port ;
A dehumidifying heating device for dehumidifying and heating the dry air from which the lint has been removed by the removing device;
An air feeding device for sending the dry air dehumidified and heated by the dehumidifying heating device to the intake port,
The removal device includes:
A housing in which an introduction port through which the dry air discharged from the exhaust port is introduced and a discharge port through which the dry air is discharged toward the dehumidifying heating device are formed;
A filter element attached to the outlet to remove the lint from the dry air;
An adjustment mechanism that adjusts the flow direction of the dry air from the inlet to the filter element,
The adjustment mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and an adjusting plate that extends from the rotating shaft,
The filter element includes a first region extending in the extending direction of the rotating shaft, and a second region extending along the first region,
The said adjustment board changes the flow volume of the said dry air which passes the said 1st area | region, and the flow volume of the said dry air which passes the said 2nd area | region according to rotation of the said rotating shaft, The drying processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. A main housing that houses the drying tank, the removing device, the dehumidifying heating device, and the air supply device;
The casing is formed with an outside air introduction port through which outside air from outside the main casing is introduced,
The removal device includes:
A valve element including a plug portion that is displaced between a closed position for closing the outside air introduction port and an open position for opening the outside air introduction port;
A cam piece connected to the rotating shaft,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cam piece displaces the plug portion between the closed position and the open position in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft. The housing includes an inner wall surface that defines an internal space in which the dry air and the outside air flow, a partition plate that partitions the internal space into a first chamber in which the dry air flows and a second chamber in which the external air flows. Including
The discharge port discharges the dry air in the first chamber toward the dehumidification heating device, and discharges the outside air in the second chamber toward the dehumidification heating device. A second outlet for,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the filter element includes a first filter unit that covers the first discharge port and a second filter unit that covers the second discharge port. The dehumidifying heating device is adjacent to the removing device,
4. The drying processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the dry air that has passed through the first filter unit and the outside air that has passed through the second filter unit are directly supplied to the dehumidifying heating device. The partition plate includes an outer edge connected to the inner wall surface, and an inner edge defining an opening through which the rotating shaft is inserted,
5. The drying processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second chamber communicates with the first chamber through the opening. The rotating shaft includes an annular protrusion having a peripheral edge along the inner edge;
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the annular protrusion is adjacent to the opening. The main housing includes a top wall that forms an upper surface of the main housing;
A suction port communicating with the outside air inlet is formed in the ceiling wall,
The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the removing device is adjacent to the top wall. The top wall includes a cover element in which the suction port is formed, and a main wall in which an outlet port that is closed by the cover element is formed,
The cover element includes a connecting portion connected to the housing,
The drying apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the cover element is removed from the main wall, the removing device connected to the cover element is taken out of the main housing through the outlet. The main housing includes a front wall in which an input port for inputting the clothes into the drying tub is formed,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the suction port opens in a direction opposite to the front wall. The cover element includes a cover plate including a first outer surface complementary to the outlet, and a lever plate rotatably attached to the cover plate;
The cover plate includes a mounting edge that forms a mounting opening complementary to the lever plate;
The lever plate attached to the attachment opening includes a base end edge along a rotation axis of the lever plate, a tip end opposite to the base end edge, and the base end edge and the tip edge. A second outer surface formed,
The tip edge is located inward of the main housing from the mounting edge,
The second outer surface includes a base surface extending from the base edge along the first outer surface, and an inclined surface extending from the tip edge toward the base surface,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the attachment edge and the inclined surface define the suction port. The mounting edge includes a raised edge raised upward;
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the raised edge is located above the tip edge.   The drying processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cover element includes a biasing element that biases the tip edge upward. The housing includes a partition wall that partially partitions a space between the suction port and the outside air introduction port,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the partition wall protrudes upward from an upper surface of the housing. The housing includes a first housing wall in which the introduction port and the outside air introduction port are formed, and a second housing wall in which the discharge port is formed,
The drying processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second housing wall is rotatably attached to the first housing wall. The valve element includes a base attached to the housing, and a hinge part formed between the base and the plug part,
The plug part in contact with the cam piece rotates upward around the hinge part and is displaced to the open position,
The plug part released from contact with the cam piece rotates downward around the hinge part by its own weight and is displaced to the closed position. The drying processing apparatus as described. A removal device for removing lint from dry air for drying clothes,
A housing in which an inlet for introducing the dry air and an outlet for discharging the dry air are formed;
A filter element attached to the outlet to remove the lint from the dry air;
An adjustment mechanism that adjusts the flow direction of the dry air from the inlet to the filter element,
The adjustment mechanism includes a rotating shaft that rotates within the housing, and an adjusting plate that extends from the rotating shaft,
The filter element includes a first region extending in the extending direction of the rotary shaft, and a second region extending along the first region,
The adjusting device changes the flow rate of the dry air passing through the first region and the flow rate of the dry air passing through the second region according to the rotation of the rotating shaft.